Integrating LinkedIn Learning through librarian–faculty collaboration: Case studies from a Canadian university
Abstract
This paper explores how librarian–faculty collaboration at a Canadian university promoted the strategic integration of LinkedIn Learning (LiL), a third party digital learning platform, into teaching, professional development and co-curricular activities. Using specific institutional case studies, the paper examines how librarians led instructional design, facilitated access to digital microlearning content and supported self-directed and reflective learning across academic and professional settings. The first case explores the integration of LiL into undergraduate commerce courses and a graduate eHealth programme where curated learning paths addressed specific skill gaps and improved student readiness. The second case investigates how LiL supported reflective practice and metacognitive development in an engineering management course, with measurable effects on student engagement and skill development. The third case showcases the use of LiL in staff training and development, including tailored learning pathways for academic library staff. Findings indicate that academic librarians played a crucial role in aligning LiL content with curricular and institutional objectives, fostering inclusive and adaptable learning environments and assisting learners in using digital tools effectively. The expiration of McMaster’s campus-wide LiL licence in autumn 2025 has raised sustainability concerns, including licensing expenses, access equity and long-term curricular planning. The study concludes that while third party platforms such as LiL can improve digital pedagogy, their success relies on cross-functional teamwork, continuous institutional backing and well-defined instructional alignment. The paper provides practical strategies for integrating digital platforms into curricula and examines the limitations of depending on proprietary tools. These findings add to broader discussions about digital transformation in higher education and the changing instructional roles of academic librarians and faculty collaboration. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
The full article is available to subscribers to this journal (subscription is free).
Author's Biography
Allan Mackenzie is an award-winning Assistant Professor of Leadership and Management at McMaster University’s W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. With a diverse industry background, Allan transitioned into academia to educate NextGen leaders and professionals. He supervises graduate students, applying engineering management and human-centred design solutions for community partners. As a practitioner-academic, Allan collaborates with progressive global business leaders to create workplace environments that foster human flourishing and enhance organisational capacity. He also serves as the senior faculty adviser for Enactus McMaster, the university’s student social entrepreneurship chapter.
Jeannie An BA, MLIS serves as a Research Services Librarian, supporting MBA and graduate programmes at McMaster University. She collaborates with business faculty to drive projects focused on information literacy, student engagement and community building. From 2021 to 2025, she directed LinkedIn Learning campus-wide, chairing the LinkedIn Learning Action Committee (LiLAC) to expand its integration into teaching, professional development and personal growth. Jeannie also co-taught a business information course as a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information, where she earned her Master of Library and Information Science. She is currently exploring campus entrepreneurship and seeking ways to support this new and emerging community of users.
Neera Bhatnagar BSc, MLIS is a health sciences librarian and the Head of Public Services and Systems and Coordinator of Research Support at the Health Sciences Library, McMaster University and was a member of the LinkedIn Learning Action Committee. In addition to being a manager, her work at the university includes liaising with health sciences graduate education programmes, assisting graduate students and researchers with their complex information needs and managing a department. With over 30 years’ experience, Neera is an expert in advanced literature searching, actively contributing to research teams working on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines and other complex scholarly projects. Her other interests include open access publishing, evidence-based practice in healthcare and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and information management.
Citation
Mackenzie, Allan, An, Jeannie and Bhatnagar, Neera (2025, December 1). Integrating LinkedIn Learning through librarian–faculty collaboration: Case studies from a Canadian university. In the Advances in Online Education: A Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 4, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.69554/GIZH6405.
Publications LLP